Instructed patient / caregiver blood pressure readings in the arm cannulated with the PICC should be avoided.
Instructed patient / caregiver strenuous work, with hand cannulated, lifting objects greater than ten pounds, or repetitive motion should all be avoided.
Instructed patient / caregiver that if the catheter breaks, whether bleeding does or does not occur, do not panic. Using sterile gauze, apply sufficient pressure at the site so it is tightly and well covered and immediately report this to the physician. Maintain pressure on the site at all times.
Skilled nurse remove PICC,line per doctor order, the catheter tip should also be examined and there is no breakage at the end, no S/S of infections noted. Skilled nurse applied at the insertion site with sterile gauze to prevent bleeding which and when the bleeding stops, the gauze is removed and a sterile dressing is applied. Instructed patient the dressing should remain for approximately 24 hours. After this time, the site should be assessed and a new dressing applied if needed. Patient understand the instructions given.
Instructed patient what should you know about caring for your midline catheter: Loop extra tubing: If you have long tubing attached to your catheter, loosely loop the tubing together, and secure it with tape. This will help prevent the PICC or midline catheter from being pulled out of your arm by accident.
Instructed patient check your skin where the catheter enters it every day. Look for signs of infection and other problems. Instructed patient call your health care provider if you: Have bleeding, redness or swelling at the PICC line or Midline site, have pain near the site or in your arm, have signs of infection (fever, chills), are short of breath.
Skilled nurse performed PICC line dressing change , prepare to change your dressing in a sterile (very clean) way , Remove the dressing and check patient's skin, clean the area and catheter, place a new dressing, Tape the catheter to secure it and write down the date you changed your dressing.
Instructed patient about when should you seek immediate help? Call nurse or go to the emergency room if: The area around where the catheter enters your skin looks red, feels warm or painful, or it is oozing fluid. You see a red line going up your arm from the place where the catheter enters your skin. Your arm will also be painful.
Instructed patient flush PICC line after and before the procedure, resistance to flushing may indicate partial or complete catheter occlusion. Do not proceed with power injection study until occlusion has been cleared.
Instructed patient catheters that present resistance to flushing and aspiration may be partially or completely occluded. Do not flush against resistance. If the lumen will neither flush nor aspirate and it has been determined that the catheter is occluded with blood, a declotting procedure per nurse may be appropriate.